• 2026 Funding Cycle

    Submit your expression of interest if you are planning to apply for funding this year!

    Learn More

  • CCC Member Applications Open!

    If you’re ready to use your skills to spark meaningful impact, the 2026 CCC needs you.

    Click here to learn more
  • Upstretched arms in the park with bubbles

    What is Upstream?

    In 2022, the Region launched the Upstream and Community Capacity Building Funds with the transformational intent of shifting power and resources to the community. These funds support community-led initiatives that align with the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan (CSWP).

    Learn More
  • Drop of water in a puddle

    More jobs, stronger economies, and ​ critical service delivery

    Discover the ripple effects of Upstream funding in this summary of the latest evaluation by researchers at Wilfrid Laurier University.

    View the research summary
  • Colorful umbrellas suspended above a city street during the daytime.

    Celebrating the 2025 Fund Recipients!

    Upstreamers are building a Waterloo Region where everyone feels welcome and valued. Meet the new cohort and learn how they’ll use Upstream funds to support and strengthen their communities.

    View the 2025 recipients

2026 Upstream Funding Process

Step 1: NEW! Mandatory Expression of Interest

To apply for funding, you need to submit an expression of interest by April 1, 2026

Community Collaborative Sessions

These sessions are not mandatory, but you will have the opportunity to share your ideas and connect with other applicants.

Learn More

Step 2: Funding Application

The final step is to submit a funding application to be reviewed by the Community Change Committee.

Community Collaborative Sessions

  • Cambridge Session

    Thursday, March 26

    5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

    RSVP

  • Waterloo Session

    Saturday, March 28

    10:00 am - 12:00 pm

    RSVP

  • Virtual Session

    Wednesday, April 1

    11:30- 12:00 pm

    RSVP

  • Kitchener Session

    To be confirmed

    Click Here
A young girl in a green coat and white dress playing with soap bubbles in a park with green grass and trees.

What is Upstream?

In 2022, the Region launched the Upstream and Community Capacity Building Funds with the transformational intent of shifting power and resources to the community.

These funds support community-led initiatives that align with the Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan (CSWP). 


People at outdoor gathering with bubbles and a rainbow-colored umbrella during daytime.

Safe and Well Waterloo Region

By focusing on taking action and centering community voices, we are creating a Waterloo Region where everyone knows they are welcome and valued.

Upstream Fund Cohorts

Select the year to view the list of funding recipients below.

News & Updates

View All News
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News
Upstream Fund Poster
Upstream Fund Poster
Read More →
What makes the Upstream Fund unique?
What makes the Upstream Fund unique?
Read More →
Upstream fund - Personal stories of impact
Upstream fund - Personal stories of impact
Read More →

Information Events

View Events
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Fund Timelines

View 2025 Fund Dates
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A large group of diverse people gathers for a photo at the 2022 Upstream Yearbook event focused on the impact of changemaking, with a banner displaying the event's title.

2022 Upstream Yearbook

Check out the 2022 Upstream Yearbook to learn about the stories and the impacts of this work in the community.

We will continue to amplify recipient stories and the impact they are making on our community.

View Yearbook